Baghdad: Two prominent Iraqi newspapers have turned their attention to the ongoing funeral ceremonies for the Iranian Supreme Leader in the cities of Najaf and Karbala, while also focusing on the formulation of a strategy aimed at boosting local revenue streams.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zaman (Iraq edition) reported that Najaf and Karbala are set to host the body of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Security measures have been heightened to accommodate the large crowds and official delegations expected to attend the funeral ceremonies. In light of these events, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has declared a suspension of official working hours today, Wednesday.
Al-Zaman disclosed that the Prime Minister’s directive was part of a broader effort to ensure smooth proceedings during the funeral. The body of Khamenei is scheduled to arrive at Najaf International Airport following farewell ceremonies in Qom, Iran. Meanwhile, Karbala has completed its preparations to manage the influx of participants and ensure their safety.
Governor Nassif Jassim al-Khattabi emphasized the coordinated efforts of local agencies to facilitate the event. He noted that the governorate is well-prepared to handle the large turnout, drawing on its vast experience in hosting religious events. The governorate has also suspended official working hours to enable residents to partake in the ceremonies.
Karbala will serve as the final stop for Khamenei’s body in Iraq, where rituals will be conducted at the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas. Security plans and service mobilization efforts are in place to accommodate the significant official and public presence. The body will then be transported to Mashhad, Iran, for burial.
In a separate development, Al-Sabah, another local newspaper, highlighted Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zubaidi’s remarks on the essential role local governments play in service delivery and governance. During the Higher Committee for Coordination between Governorates session, Al-Zubaidi stressed the need for local governments to collaborate with the federal government to enhance service delivery and governance.
The session addressed various issues, including the allocation of one million residential plots based on population size and poverty rates. Al-Zubaidi called for reducing bureaucratic barriers to facilitate progress and outlined the importance of supporting security forces for stability.
Additionally, the session approved the formation of committees to develop a strategy for maximizing local revenues. These recommendations will be submitted for further approval.
Al-Sabah reported that legislative priorities include laws to combat corruption and enhance economic measures. There is a concerted effort within parliament to pass legislation that supports public integrity and protects state funds. Economic challenges, exacerbated by regional conflicts and halted oil exports, have intensified financial pressures on Iraq.
MP Jassim al-Moussawi underscored the urgency of appointing an economic expert to address the country’s fiscal challenges. He emphasized the necessity of practical steps to boost revenues and combat unemployment. He also highlighted the need for a national mobilization to address the economic difficulties and emphasized the importance of fighting corruption.
Al-Moussawi stressed that effective resource management and anti-corruption measures could significantly transform Iraq’s economic and service sectors in the coming years.